Fortunately, however, Gourges had on board a trumpeter who had been in Florida with Laudonnière. So now he sent him on shore to talk with the Indians. And as soon as they recognised him they greeted him with shouts of joy. Then they led him at once to their chief who was no other than Satouriona, Laudonnière's one-time friend. So amid great rejoicings the Frenchmen landed. Then Satouriona. poured into their ears the tale of his wrongs. He told them how the Spaniards stole their corn, drove them from their huts and their hunting grounds, and generally ill-treated them. "Not one peaceful day," he said, "have the Indians known since the Frenchmen went away." When Gourges heard this he was well pleased. "If you have been ill-treated by the Spaniards," he said, "the French will avenge you." At this Satouriona, leaped for joy. "What!" he cried, "will you fight the Spaniards?" "Yes," replied Gourges, "but you must do your part also." "We will die with you," cried Satouriona, "if need be." "That is well," said Gourges. "How soon can you be ready? For if we fight we should fight at once." "In three days we can be ready," said the Indian. "See to it then," said Gourges, "that you are secret in the matter so that the Spaniards suspect nothing." "Have no fear," replied Satouriona; "we wish them more ill than you do." The third day came and, true to his word, Satouriona appeared surrounded by hundreds of warriors, fearful in paint and feathers. Then some by water, some by land, the French and Indians set forth, and after many hardships and much toil they reached one of the forts which the Spaniards had built near the river Is mouth. From the shelter of the surrounding trees they gazed upon it. "There!" cried Gourges, "there at last are the thieves who have stolen this land from our King. There are the murderers who slew our countrymen." At his words the men were hardly to be restrained. In eager whispers they begged to be led on. So the word was given, and the Frenchmen rushed upon the fort. The Spaniards had just finished their mid-day meal when a cry was heard from the ramparts. "To arms! to arms! the French are coming!" They were taken quite unawares, and with but short resistance they fled. The French and Indians pursued them and hemmed them in so that not one man escaped. In like manner the second fort was also taken, and every man slain or made prisoner. The next day was Sunday, and Gourges spent it resting, and making preparations to attack Fort Mateo.